freshwater cycle

G

grays

AC Members
May 7, 2009
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Hello guys I got a 55gallon setup about 3 days ago now, and just did my first water test. It came back like this
Ammonia - 0
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - 0

From everything I have read I need to add ammonia to feed the good bacteria ... then my nitrite will spike high as the ammonia is being eaten. ( I hope this is right ). I guess my question is A: what actually adds ammonia? do I just buy an ammonia liquid from the pet store? B: The guy at petsmart sold me this "bacteria supplement" I assume this is the good bacteria.. Sorry to be long winded I just keep getting different answers and dont wanna kill fish when I do add them.:devil:
 
you can add pure ammonia from a bottle, this is the most precise way. It is also somewhat hazardous, as ammonia is very volatile (evaporates easily) and is not good to breath in. You can also add fish food. Ammonia is a product of decay. The bacteria supplement is a good plan, if you got one that works, but is not neccessary. Just add either ammonia or something to rot a little a day until your ammo has spiked and come down, your nitrite has spiked and come down, and you have nitrates between 5 and 40 ppm. Then you can add fish. This can take anywhere from 1 week to 3 months. This is where a good bacteria suplement comes in; it will shorten this length of time dramatically. There are many articles about cycling on this site, if you just search for 'cycle'
 
perfect answer thank you much. Im gonna go get some ammonia to add directly it seems like it will be the quicker of the 2 methods.
 
The ammonia you use, bust be free and clear of additives like fragrance and surfactants. No sudsing present when you shake the bottle.

Most bacteria supplements do not work.
 
Ah i was walking out the door .. if most bacteria supplements dont work then what do you use to eat or take in all the ammonia?
 
the natural bacteria will develop..it can be boosted time wise by adding established media from a sahe tank.
 
The bacteria you need is everywhere. If you don't have a source for it, it will come from your local soil by drifting in on the air. You can take some healthy top soil (not recently fertilized) and place it in a nylon stocking and hang it in the tank. You might have to do a few water changes once you cycle to remove the particles.

Not many people do this but it has worked for me.
 
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